Richard Webber

Recovering alcoholic Richard Webber really liked his position as Chief of Surgery, and he was none too pleased about his demotion. Back when he was a surgical resident, he had an affair with Meredith's mother, fellow resident Ellis Grey, which caused him to act inappropriately paternal toward Meredith upon her arrival at Seattle Grace. His wife, Adele, has encouraged him to retire, but Richard is married to the job — or was, that is, until the stress of his position caused him to turn to the bottle after years of sobriety. Derek Shepherd discovered his relapse and strongarmed Richard into entering a rehab program. Derek took over as Chief of Surgery, but Richard regained the position when Derek stepped down, realizing he wanted to focus on being a surgeon.